Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textRalph Brote's journey from struggling to hear to rediscovering connection offers powerful insights for musicians and anyone facing hearing challenges. Growing up in the family-owned Nazareth Music Store—a fixture in Pennsylvania for 60 years—Ralph's life has been steeped in sound. As a professional trumpet player and music teacher, his hearing gradually deteriorated from years of exposure to loud instruments, work in an iron foundry, and genetic predisposition.The turning point came when everyday conversations became increasingly difficult. Ralph found himself withdrawing during family gatherings, afraid to speak up after missing parts of conversations. At work, interactions with customers became stressful as he struggled to understand soft-spoken patrons. Like most people experiencing hearing loss, Ralph waited nearly a decade before seeking help—a delay that affected his personal relationships and professional confidence.What makes Ralph's story particularly fascinating is how his musician's brain required specialized hearing solutions. While standard hearing aid settings worked perfectly for conversation, they created problems when he played his trumpet. His audiologist created custom programs for different listening environments: everyday conversation, performing music, and listening to music. The emotional impact became clear when his wife witnessed him hearing soft speech clearly for the first time with his new technology—a moment that brought her to tears.Ralph's experience offers valuable advice for fellow musicians: "Don't go cheap, get the best you can, because as a musician, you won't regret it." He emphasizes the importance of early intervention and regular hearing checks for those exposed to loud sounds. His powerful parting message resonates beyond musicians: "Don't put it off, because your life really can be better sooner than later." Have you noticed changes in your hearing? Taking that first step toward better hearing could transform your relationships and reconnect you with the sounds that matter most. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textDr. Lindsay Koble takes us on an extraordinary journey from accidental audiologist to successful practice owner in this eye-opening conversation about the realities of audiology entrepreneurship. After a jaw surgery complication left her with a perforated eardrum during college, Lindsay discovered her passion for audiology through her own hearing healthcare experience. This unexpected path led her to build Audiology Always, a thriving practice in her hometown of Auburn, Indiana focused on transparent, accessible care.Lindsay's career trajectory provides a masterclass in preparation for practice ownership. Her time in an ENT clinic built clinical confidence with complex cases, while her role as a hearing aid manufacturer representative developed her business acumen. Combined with an MBA and farm-raised financial wisdom, these experiences created the perfect foundation for entrepreneurship. "You're never really ready," she reveals, "but if you're confident enough to bet on yourself, that's when it's time."Financial literacy emerges as the unsung hero of practice success. Lindsay candidly discusses securing her $135,000 practice loan, making strategic equipment decisions, and maintaining conservative financial practices. Growing up on a family farm taught her invaluable lessons about cash flow management - understanding that business has "good seasons and bad seasons" and preparing accordingly. She challenges conventional thinking by accepting Medicare, Medicaid and insurance plans while maintaining profitability through transparent service pricing.The conversation expands beyond business mechanics to explore the importance of community for practice owners. Lindsay participates in a mastermind group of Indiana audiologists who meet monthly to share challenges and solutions. Her leadership in founding the Indiana Audiology Coalition demonstrates her commitment to advancing the profession through collaboration and advocacy.Whether you're a seasoned practice owner or dreaming of entrepreneurship, this episode delivers practical wisdom on balancing profitability with patient-centered care. Subscribe to Hearing Matters for more conversations that delve into the business of better hearing and the human stories behind successful practices. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhat happens when the demands of managed care clash with a provider's commitment to gold-standard hearing healthcare? For Jaysee Soto, owner of Altamonte Family Hearing in Florida, the answer lies in striking a delicate balance between business sustainability and patient-centered ethics.Growing up in his family's New York City bodega, Jaysee watched his parents build relationships with every customer who walked through their door. Those early lessons in community connection now form the foundation of his hearing healthcare practice, where patients aren't just customers, they're extended family. Working alongside his wife Grace, Jaysee has created a practice environment where comprehensive care is the standard, not the exception.The podcast takes us through Jaysee's unexpected journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate hearing care professional. That pivotal moment when he first witnessed a patient's face light up upon hearing their grandchild's voice clearly? It changed everything. Now he dedicates himself to creating those transformative moments for his patients, taking a full 90 minutes for comprehensive evaluations that far exceed industry minimums.But this level of care creates tension when insurance and managed care plans don't adequately compensate for best practices like real ear measurement and extensive testing. Jaysee candidly shares his approach to this industry-wide dilemma: strategically limiting managed care appointments while ensuring those patients still receive quality care, implementing service plans that bridge the gap, and planning for growth that maintains standards while increasing access.What emerges is a refreshing perspective on hearing healthcare economics. Rather than viewing patient care and business viability as opposing forces, he demonstrates how exceptional care creates its own sustainability through patient loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals. Even patients who initially come through managed care plans often return as private pay patients after experiencing the difference that comprehensive care makes.Ready to discover what ethical hearing healthcare looks like in action? Listen now and learn how leading with heart can transform both patient outcomes and practice success. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhat stands between hearing care professionals and effective advocacy? Dr. Megan Adams shatters common misconceptions with her doctoral research spanning 400 participants across the United States. The surprising truth? It's not time constraints holding us back...it's knowledge.Dr. Adams reveals that 95% of hearing healthcare professionals consider legislative issues crucial, and nearly 90% want greater involvement in advocacy efforts. They simply need the roadmap. This groundbreaking finding shifts our entire approach from convincing professionals to make time for advocacy to providing them with practical tools and education.Throughout our conversation, Dr. Adams dismantles the intimidation factor surrounding advocacy. Contrary to popular belief, most interactions with legislators don't involve debating policy but simply explaining what audiologists do and why quality hearing care matters. Small actions create tremendous impact—inviting officials to tour your clinic, hosting community events that include policymakers, or designating a team member to monitor relevant legislation during staff meetings.The power of state-level organization emerges as another critical theme. Dr. Adams highlights Indiana's new audiology coalition, which has already hosted a successful conference and is working toward hiring a lobbyist in its first year. These state organizations provide the collective voice needed to address potentially harmful legislation before it passes.Remember this fundamental truth: decisions affecting hearing healthcare will be made whether you participate or not. By educating policymakers and building community awareness, you ensure those decisions are informed by expertise rather than misconceptions. As Dr. Adams powerfully states, "I'm tired of playing defense. I want to play offense." Are you ready to join the movement transforming hearing healthcare advocacy from reactive to proactive? Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textTwo hundred episodes. Six years. One hundred twenty-one countries. The Hearing Matters Podcast celebrates a remarkable milestone in its mission to educate and connect the global hearing healthcare community.Host Blaise Delfino's journey from college radio DJ to global hearing healthcare advocate encapsulates the power of finding your purpose. What began in a 400-square-foot family practice as a simple tool to answer patient questions has evolved into an international platform reaching thousands of hearing care professionals and patients alike. With early episodes designed to prepare patients for appointments and guide them through the hearing healthcare journey, the podcast created a seamless educational experience that transformed how patients engaged with their hearing health."The podcast absolutely positioned us as thought leaders in our community," Delfino reflects. "When prospective patients tuned in, it was a representation of the practice." This approach to patient education and experience proved extraordinarily effective, with fewer than ten hearing aid returns over five years—a testament to how education, transparency, and patient-centered care create lasting success in healthcare.Throughout the podcast's evolution, Delfino has observed significant shifts in hearing healthcare: the emergence of deep neural networks and AI in hearing devices, the growing importance of telehealth options, and increasing patient demand for transparency and best practices. "Today, now more than ever, the hearing care professional plays such an important role in the patient experience," he emphasizes, highlighting how the relationship between provider and patient remains central despite technological advances.Looking toward the future, the Hearing Matters Podcast is launching a provider locator tool to connect listeners with qualified hearing care professionals in their communities, expanding into speech-language pathology topics, and continuing to bridge the gap between education and action. For hearing care professionals and patients alike, the message remains consistent: "Continue to lead with your heart. Continue to keep your why as your North Star. Every day that you go into that office, reflect and think to yourself: I have the opportunity to change someone's life."Share these episodes with someone who might be struggling with hearing loss – your recommendation could be the first step in their journey toward better communication and connection. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textCrossing the threshold into better hearing often feels overwhelming for patients who've postponed treatment for years. What makes the difference between hesitation and confident decision-making? The answer lies in experiencing transformation firsthand through expertly conducted in-office hearing aid demonstrations.This episode dives deep into why these demonstrations represent a crucial moment in the patient journey. When a patient has waited 7-10 years to address their hearing loss, simply reviewing an audiogram and quoting prices falls woefully short of what they deserve. By contrast, a thoughtfully orchestrated demonstration allows patients to hear with unprecedented clarity in challenging environments like restaurants, creating powerful "wow moments" that validate their decision to seek help.The most effective demonstrations go beyond the technical aspects of hearing technology. They involve familiar voices, realistic background noise, and careful observation of how patients react when communication barriers suddenly diminish. We explore how these demonstrations serve multiple purposes simultaneously, educating patients about their hearing loss, showcasing technology benefits, assessing physical capabilities for device selection, and building unshakable trust in the provider's recommendations.For hearing healthcare professionals, this episode offers practical guidance on creating meaningful demonstration experiences that lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. For those beginning their hearing journey, it provides valuable insight into what to expect and demand from quality providers. No matter where you are in understanding hearing health, you'll gain perspective on how transformative moments in a clinical setting can change lives.Ready to experience or deliver hearing healthcare that prioritizes education and empowerment over transactions? Listen now and discover why seeing is believing when it comes to better hearing.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhen Lindsay Dain first had a student with hearing aids in her kindergarten classroom, she understood the basics of her FM system but admits she "didn't really understand the value." This honest reflection captures the essence of why Lindsay's work matters so deeply today; there's a critical gap between having hearing technology and truly understanding its importance in a child's life.Lindsay's journey from mainstream educator to deaf education specialist to children's book author illuminates how powerful representation can be in the hearing healthcare space. Her book "I'm Getting a Cochlear Implant" breaks down complex audiological concepts into accessible language, serving both children who want to see themselves represented and parents navigating unfamiliar medical terminology.The conversation takes a particularly moving turn when Lindsay shares how a foster mother approached her to say the book had helped her decide to pursue cochlear implants for her child. "You are the person that I wrote this book for," Lindsay reflects, her voice revealing how meaningful this feedback was to her creative mission.Beyond the book itself, Lindsay offers valuable insights about advocacy in education, revealing how IEPs now frequently include self-advocacy goals for deaf and hard of hearing students. These skills, teaching children to explain their needs and educate others about their hearing technology, are life-changing foundations that extend far beyond the classroom.Perhaps most compelling is Lindsay's personal transformation. When voice problems threatened her teaching career, she faced an identity crisis that ultimately led her to pursue writing. "It has helped me remove the ceiling of what I think I can or can't do," she shares, a powerful message for anyone hesitating to follow their creative calling.Whether you're a hearing healthcare professional seeking resources for families, an educator working with deaf or hard of hearing students, or someone personally affected by hearing loss, this conversation reminds us that advocacy begins with accessible information and that representation truly matters. Check out Lindsay's book and share it with someone who might need to see themselves or their child in its pages.Here is the Titze straw phonation video. Below, please find the ISBN numbers for "I'm Getting a Cochlear Implant" ISBN for libraries: 979-8-9885896-1-7 (Hard Cover)Paperback: 979-8-9885896-0-0 eBook:979-8-9885896-2-4 Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textTinnitus affects millions, yet remains shrouded in misunderstanding, misinformation, and damaging myths. In this illuminating conversation, audiologist Dr. Alexandra Tarvin of Elevate Audiology brings clarity, hope, and cutting-edge solutions to one of hearing healthcare's most challenging conditions."There is hope and there is help," Dr. Tarvin reassures listeners as she guides us through the reality of tinnitus management today. Drawing from her extensive experience as a tinnitus specialist, she expertly distinguishes between subjective tinnitus (the perception of sound that doesn't exist externally) and transient ear noise (those brief, harmless episodes of ringing many people occasionally experience). This distinction alone provides immediate relief for many who fear their temporary experiences signal something serious.The heart of effective tinnitus care, Dr. Tarvin explains, lies in truly listening to patients and implementing personalized strategies. Far from the dismissive "just live with it" approach many patients have encountered, modern management embraces a holistic perspective that considers each person's unique needs. From various sound therapy options to innovative treatments like Lenire (the first FDA-approved tinnitus treatment), patients now have more evidence-based options than ever before.Perhaps most exciting is Twillo, a tinnitus management app Dr. Tarvin developed with her husband, a mental health counselor. This digital companion combines audiological expertise with mental health techniques, providing support between appointments and making tinnitus care more accessible. "If I could clone myself, if I could clone my husband... we would not need this app," Dr. Tarvin jokes, highlighting how technology can extend specialized care to more people.Throughout our conversation, Dr. Tarvin methodically dismantles harmful myths – no, tinnitus doesn't cause dementia; no, caffeine isn't universally problematic for tinnitus sufferers – while sharing touching success stories of patients who've found relief through proper care. Whether you're suffering from tinnitus yourself, care for someone who is, or are a healthcare provider seeking to better serve your patients, this episode delivers invaluable insights and renewed hope.  Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textDr. Larry Humes discusses the critical difference between hearing wellness (pure tone audiometric results) and the broader concept of auditory wellness which encompasses psychosocial health and speech comprehension abilities. This distinction explains why millions of Americans with normal audiograms still struggle with listening difficulties in everyday situations.In this episode you'll learn: • Hearing wellness refers specifically to pure tone thresholds while auditory wellness includes comprehension and psychosocial factors• 26 million Americans have normal hearing thresholds but experience significant listening difficulties• Current audiometric categories (0-25dB as normal) may miss significant hearing difficulties that impact daily function• Over-the-counter hearing aids address access and affordability but often lack the necessary support infrastructure• The prevalence of hearing loss in children (15%) has remained stable despite concerns about earbuds and screen time• Empowering individuals to manage their own auditory wellness requires better education and support toolsConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textDr. Douglas Beck hosts a special episode featuring audiology pioneers Dr. David Majit and Dr. Gary Dorf, whose combined experience spans nearly a century in hearing healthcare. Unlike typical clinical discussions, this conversation reveals the personal journeys of two professionals who helped transform audiology during its formative years.Their stories weave through pivotal industry moments – from building successful California practices to lecturing in Japan where they introduced binaural fitting techniques to practitioners accustomed to monaural solutions. The conversation takes entertaining detours, including Dr. Dorff's memorable dinner seated next to Mick Jagger and their experience with "The Bubble," a non-electronic device that briefly revolutionized mild hearing loss treatment.What emerges beyond the professional milestones is their genuine passion for audiology. As Dr. Dorff reflects after nearly 50 years: "I never felt it was work. I enjoyed every bit of audiology I touched." Both emphasize how the profession continues offering rich opportunities for those seeking to combine technological innovation with meaningful human connection. Their journey illuminates how far audiology has come and why it remains an exceptionally rewarding career for those committed to improving lives through better hearing. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast